GMV coordinates the GENIUS project to revolutionize the detection and neutralization of explosive devices

Multinational technology company GMV hosted the first meeting of the GENIUS project in January, one of the eight initiatives awarded to the company in the latest European Defence Fund (EDF) tenders. Funded by the European Commission, GENIUS brings together 18 leading European entities in a collaborative effort to address the critical challenges posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), and landmines.

Traditional methods for detecting and neutralizing these threats are often inadequate, posing significant risks to both personnel safety and operational success. GENIUS, coordinated by GMV, aims to transform this reality by overcoming these limitations. By leveraging an integrated, high-tech approach combining advanced sensors, unmanned platforms, and artificial intelligence, the project seeks to deliver unmatched precision and reliability in threat management, while minimizing risks to personnel and enhancing mission effectiveness.

As project coordinator, GMV leads the design of the C2 command and control system, which integrates unmanned platforms, sensors, effectors, and infantry systems. GMV also contributes to the development of the C2 architecture, requirements, and interfaces, ensuring interoperability and providing a demonstrator for testing.

The GENIUS consortium officially launched the project with an initial meeting in December 2024 and held its first workshop on January 28 and 29, 2025, at GMV’s facilities. During the workshop, members discussed the project roadmap, technical challenges, and the ethical and security compliance framework, marking the start of this ambitious and transformative initiative. Over the next 36 months, the GENIUS consortium will develop solutions to enhance threat detection capabilities in complex, high-risk environments, provide reliable and adaptable threat management systems for modern warfare, and reduce false alarms to improve operational confidence and efficiency.

European Consortium

GENIUS brings together a consortium of 18 entities from 7 EU member states, promoting cross-sector collaboration. The consortium is composed of: GMV (coordinator), Spain; Aurea Avionics, Spain; the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center, along with the Esteban Terradas National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), Spain; Aalborg University, Denmark; Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Germany; Applied Intelligence Analytics Limited, Ireland; C&V Consulting, Belgium; Eviden Germany GmbH, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, Germany; HCR - CTRO, Croatia; MBDA Deutschland GmbH, Germany; Numalis, France; Royal Military Academy, Belgium; Space Applications Services, Belgium; University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany; Ulm University, Germany; and XenomatiX, Belgium.

Noteworthy participation in European Defence Fund programs

GMV was selected in the latest European Defence Fund (EDF) call to participate in eight strategic projects, including GENIUS, where it serves as the coordinator and drives innovation in autonomous systems for detecting and neutralizing explosive devices. Other projects include NG-MIMA, focused on integrated modular avionics for military platforms; FMBTech, which develops new technologies for combat vehicles; EMISSARY, enhancing situational awareness in the space domain; FIRES 2, aimed at developing high-precision, long-range artillery munitions; ESOCA, improving strategic airlift capabilities; OPTIMAS, focused on secure laser communications between aircraft and satellites; and SEACURE, integrating systems for underwater warfare and critical maritime infrastructure protection.

The European Defence Fund fosters cooperation in the development of defense technologies and capabilities throughout Europe. It prioritizes initiatives agreed upon by member states, promotes technological autonomy through a more integrated and capable European defense industrial base, and supports interoperability among national armed forces. GMV’s involvement in eight EDF projects solidifies its position as a European leader and places it among the top companies in Europe for European Commission programs.

This project has received funding from the European Defence Fund under grant agreement EDF-2023-RA-PROTMOB-DEXPLO: 101167814. This press release reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of the European Commission.

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